Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Hope; Patience; Perseverance; Seasons; Waiting on God References: Psalm 27:14; Romans 8:22–25; Hebrews 10:36 I’m an impatient, restless person. Slowing down and waiting seem like a waste of time. Yet waiting seems to be an inevitable part of the human condition. Henri Nouwen said, “Waiting is a period of learning. The longer we wait, … Continue reading “WAITING
LESSONS”

Topics: Christlikeness; Maturity; Perseverance; Planning; Spiritual Growth References: Luke 14:27–31; Romans 8:29; Philippians 3:7–16 When I first ran track in prep school, my coach invited me to his home for dinner. After the meal, he pulled out a notebook with my name on the front cover. He turned to the back page, which bore the … Continue reading “A
RUNNING PLAN”

Topics: Character; Example; God’s Will; Grace; Integrity; Men; Obedience References: Romans 1:16–17; 2 Timothy 1:13 God has no more precious gift to a church or an age than a man who lives as an embodiment of his will, and inspires those around him with the faith of what grace can do. —Andrew Murray, Leadership (Fall … Continue reading “PERSONALIZING
GOD’S WILL”

Topics: Ambition; Character; Contentment; Goals; Greed; Lifestyle; Money; Possessions; Prosperity; Purpose; Riches; Spiritual Growth; Spiritual Poverty; Stewardship; Teens; Worldliness References: Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 6:1–4; 19:21; Acts 5:1–11 What is “essential” in the mind of the typical college freshman? An extensive survey conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute found that 85.8 percent say … Continue reading “LIFE
GOALS”

Topics: Holy Spirit; Power; Prayer References: 1 Corinthians 1:24; 4:20; 2 Timothy 3:5 While visiting Grand Coulee Dam, my family and I were surprised to see that the visitor’s center was dark. It was a sunny day, so we thought the center might have tinted windows, but as we got closer, we realized no lights … Continue reading “UNPLUGGED”

Topics: Faith; God’s Will; Guidance; Providence; Trust Reference: Psalm 13:1–2 In December 1958, I came to America from Germany on the USS Butner, a transport ship. After we left Bremerhafen, we passed through the North Sea into the North Atlantic. Huge waves buffeted the ship, and every day seemed the same—water, water everywhere, to the … Continue reading “MOVING
ACCORDING TO PLAN”

Topics: Holy Spirit; Power References: Romans 15:13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 4:13 You can put a spring back into your step, thanks to Nike. After sixteen years of research, the giant shoe company produced sneakers called Shox, which have four strong springs in the heel. When you press down, the brightly colored springs, made of high-density … Continue reading “RUNNING
WITH INNER SPRINGS”

Topics: Prayer; Thankfulness References: Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 We give thanks to God, who is the source of all good things. According to Yankelovich Partners for Lutheran Brotherhood, here’s how we do that: •     praying: 45 percent •     being a good role model: 39 percent •     volunteering: 36 percent •     participating in a place of worship: 35 percent … Continue reading “WAYS
OF SHOWING THANKS”

Topics: Criticism; Gratitude; Ingratitude; Thankfulness Reference: Luke 17:12–19 I was helping a friend plant a tree at the local park. She had planted twenty-three trees already, most of them without any help. The trees were donated by family members in remembrance of loved ones. While we were working, a woman approached us. I recognized her … Continue reading “THANKS
FOR THE TREES”

Topics: Desires; Fulfillment; Happiness; Joy; Peace; Purpose; Satisfaction References: Psalm 42:1; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:6, 27; 15:11 A car is made to run on petrol [gas], and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to … Continue reading “FUELING
HAPPINESS”